Letters to the editor for Tuesday, October 1, 2013

A good friend of mine, Chris Eachus, is running for the Orange County Legislature, 15th District, once more.

A good friend of mine, Chris Eachus, is running for the Orange County Legislature, 15th District, once more.

As a student of NFA, I would like to say that he has done much to help those around him. My sister had him as a physics teacher, and he has personally assisted me on anything I have asked him. He is the man for the job.

He's done much in the way of saving Valley View, and has been a very transparent legislator during his time. He's proved it before, and I'm certain that if re-elected, he will prove himself again.

Politics aside, Eachus is one of the most honest and helpful people I've ever learned under and had the pleasure of working alongside. I look forward to seeing the results of this election.

Frank Pacella

Newburgh

The noise at the Monticello Motor Club has increased immensely since the expansion was approved. Our appointed Planning Board members gave the MMC permission with no restrictions and added more time to racing. This was done without any consideration for the people who live here. The sound study done by the MMC was completely self-serving.

I would like to ask each member of the Planning Board why they feel that the many people who spoke out at the public hearing deserve to have their homes invaded and quality of life destroyed.

Is the Town of Thompson so desperate for equivalent jobs? I just read an article concerning assessment of real estate taxes on recent developments. The MMC claims to have invested $41 million so far and is adding another $45 million for its expansion. Why should it receive a more than $3 million exemption over several years on real estate taxes? Why doesn't it pay its full taxes like the rest of us?

(Thompson Supervisor) Tony Cellini denied the town gave the club a free pass. What else would you call it with no restrictions? Cellini said, "There was a lot of give and take." The way I see it, there was no give, just all take. (Monticello Motor Club President Ari) Straus states, "The vast majority came out in favor of our expansion." Was there a vote? Many people spoke, not opposing the expansion but asking for control of the noise.

I resent Straus saying the Planning Board imposed difficult and significant conditions seemingly to appease a relatively small group of opponents. His not-so-small group of opponents has a right to live.

The election is near. Please get out and vote; we need change.

Ann A. Culligan

Monticello

I am writing to show my support for Steve Neuhaus as our next county executive. He has done great things for Chester, and it's time that he gets to do this for the county.

Chester has more businesses because of Neuhaus, has kept the taxpayer rates low, and overall Chester is a better place because of him. Since he has been Chester supervisor, taxes have not risen. Not many candidates can say that.